We haven’t been able to access appletv for some time.
Are you referring to the Apple TV+ streaming service?
Sad to hear that this wasn’t working out for you.
I’ve tried to unsubscribe several times to no avail
To cancel the Apple TV+ subscription, you can do that any of the supported devices, probably most easily on iPhone. See: How to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support
From your subscription overview in Settings﹥[You/Your Apple Account]﹥Subscriptions﹥, select the intended subscription, then find the ‘Cancel Subscription’ line and tap there, then confirm once more.
Is there any way we can be reimbursed for time not using the app?
We are fellow users here, much like yourself, not Apple staff. The best we can do is give advice from what we know Apple has published and/or our own experience.
You can try to get a refund, but like most subscription services, you use of a service (or not using it) makes no difference. The subscription starts when you activate the subscription, and ends when you cancel.
How to request a refund for services that you purchased through Apple - Apple Support
We cannot continue to support it.
That is fine, only keep the subscriptions that are to your liking.
If you need additional assistance with your cancelation, then you may contact the Apple Support staff. Their toll-free number is 1-800-275-2273 in the US. For other countries, see:
Contact Apple Support - Apple Support